The best hotels in Chennai

Trident Chennai

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

Housed amidst impressive lawns this hotel provides classic contemporary accommodation. Classic rooms are decorated with fresh colours, light wood and include all mod cons. Southern Indian flavours can be savoured at Samudra, whilst Cinnamon is multi cuisine. Five-star relaxation at your fingertips.

  • Families - Brilliant for families looking to soak up the best of the city whilst enjoying the big swimming pool & multiple dining options
  • Cooking classes - Speak to the team about terrific cooking classes for those looking to discover South Indian cuisine whilst in Chennai.
  • Sights nearby - Kapaleeshwarar Temple, one of the largest dedicated to Shiva, is an impressive sight and well worth visiting
  • City Style - A stylish luxury hotel in the heart of Chennai - great for large-scale events and celebrations
from $122 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Taj Wellington Mews Chennai

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

A collection of slick, contemporary suites & apartments with well-equipped kitchens, smart sitting rooms & city views in lively Chennai. Think crisp white linens, pale wood & warm golden tones in comfortable spaces. Two eateries, a rooftop pool, spa & gym add to the appeal at this great urban hotel.

  • Local markets - Moore Market is brilliant for picking up second-hand books, and Kothawal Chavadi and Burma Bazaar are great fun
  • Museums - The Government Museum houses a fascinating collection — as does the Fort Museum & the Madras Museum of Art
  • Business meetings - For business travellers, there's a great boardroom, meeting room and ballroom for larger conferences
  • Families - Families will love the two-bedroom suites, the big buffet breakfasts and the rooftop pool
from $145 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Taj Connemara

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

Built in 1854 as the Imperial Hotel, Taj Connemara now welcomes guests with contemporary interiors & indulgent facilities. Rooms are luxurious & light-filled, the pool and spa are a soothing oasis from the city's buzz, and two restaurants - plus an elegant bar - await well-heeled guests.

  • Spa breaks - The J Wellness Circle is known for its fantastic treatments, grounded in traditional healing & wonderfully restorative
  • Local markets - Take a guided tour through bustling Chennai's backstreets to explore markets, see heritage homes & taste street food
  • Families - Families will adore the central swimming pool, children's menus, flexible accommodation options & friendly team
  • Yoga - Speak to the team about restorative or energising yoga classes, tailored to your specific needs
from $174 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Westin Chennai Velachery

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

A luxurious high-rise hotel with refreshing pool in bustling Chennai. The 215 rooms & suites boast expansive views of the city skyline, and feature high ceilings, clean lines & big beds. Five eateries, a popular bar & spa invite guests to unwind — plus there are event spaces galore. Very indulgent.

  • Cooking classes - The team organise fabulous cooking classes, showcasing South Indian specialities and market-fresh produce
  • Weddings - Vast event spaces make this a brilliant choice for lavish city weddings, conferences and celebrations
  • City Style - Think contemporary style in spacious rooms and suites — ideal for a luxury urban break
  • Restaurant - Five restaurants include Seasonal Tastes, Sunset Grill and the Madras Kitchen Company
from $205 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Leela Palace Chennai

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

A palatial hotel from the Leela providing opulence with unobstructed views of the Adyar River. Rooms are divine, feature fine silks, sparkling chandeliers, and are beautifully upholstered. Several fine dining options including an indulgent patisserie. A five star stay.

  • Other Activities - Kalakshetra Foundation teaches classes in traditional Tamil dancing - brilliant for those looking to try something new!
  • Foodies - Foodies will adore the range of cuisine, including everything from Indian to Chinese - plus an in house pâtisserie.
  • Romantic Break - Lavish guest rooms are ideal for romantic couples, who will also love the soothing spa & candlelit dinners.
  • Designer Shopping - Nalli Silks has been selling the finest silks since 1928, and is perfect for keen shoppers
from $214 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

ITC Grand Chola

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

An opulent five-star hotel with an impressive 600 guest rooms, suites and residences for well-heeled travellers. Think lavish interiors with glittering chandeliers & big beds, plus 10 eateries, a serene spa, and event spaces galore. An impressively swish city stay — largely run on wind power.

  • Business meetings - Brilliant for conferences or big weddings, the hotel has 2400 square metres of imposing events spaces & fantastic cuisine
  • Romantic Break - A fabulous choice for a romantic break with sumptuous spa, elegant guest suites & excellent eateries
  • Restaurant - Ten signature dining options offer guests a wealth of choice from regional Indian cuisine to Pan-Asian and Italian options
  • Local markets - Tour Pondy Bazaar or the streets of Sowcarpet, before picking up second hand books at Moore Market
from $248 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

InterContinental Chennai

Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

Chic and contemporary five star luxury. Contrasting palettes of yellow, grey and black give rooms a quirky edge, as do the modern lines and egg shaped baths. There is a huge outdoor pool and a private stretch of beach. Dine on local, Chinese and Western dishes or indulge at the champagne lounge.

  • Families - With babysitting services, kids club, family suites and private beach there is so much to do here
  • City Style - Fans of classic opulence will appreciate the lavish interiors and the imposing sense of style
  • Great walks - Amble along the resort's stretch of private beach for beautiful sunrise or sunset strolls
  • Yoga - Speak to the team about energising or restorative private yoga classes
from $415 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

About Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has long been a South Indian powerhouse. The sixth-largest city in India, Chennai is a cosmopolitan business hub, and a wonderful gateway to Tamil Nadu’s fascinating history and culture. Still less popular with international travellers than megacities such as Mumbai or Kolkata, the city has a burgeoning hotel scene, ideal for business as well as leisure. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly high-rise or a romantic city hotel, our guide to the best places to stay in Chennai has it all.

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai was once a key trading post of the East India Company. Delve into the city’s past through heritage landmarks including the red-painted Madras High Court, the impressive Theosophical Society Headquarters in leafy Adyar, and 17th century Fort St George, seat of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The waterfront Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is beautifully decorated and well worth visiting.

Chennai will delight keen shoppers with its artisanal stores, smart malls and plethora of upmarket boutiques showcasing pieces by Indian designers. Amethyst, with its café, gallery and shop, comes highly recommended for atmospheric lunches and evening drinks, whilst Pantheon Street is the place to go for textiles. Savour superb South Indian fare at eateries across the city. Day trips to the surf town of Mahabalipuram, with its dazzling ancient temples, or overnight stays in charming Puducherry also come highly recommended. Expect stunning sea views from some of the best places to stay in Chennai. too.

The Best Places to Stay in Chennai

For a Heritage Landmark

  • Taj Connemara was built in 1854 as the Imperial Hotel. A heritage landmark, the hotel now welcomes guests to indulgent, light-filled guest rooms with stacks of classic charm. Unwind by the pool, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, and savour delicious cuisine at two excellent restaurants. The elegant bar is lovely, too. 

For Urban Luxury

  • The Westin Chennai Velachery is a smart high-rise hotel with 215 contemporary guest rooms offering views of the city skyline. There's an outdoor pool, a great spa, five eateries and a fun sports bar. The 12,990 square feet of versatile event space is ideal for hosting large-scale events. 
  • ITC Grand Chola boasts an impressive 600 sumptuous guest rooms, suites and residences. Expect big beds, jewel-toned textiles and glittering chandeliers. There are 10 eateries, a stand-out spa, and event spaces aplenty for meetings and celebrations. A swish city stay -- run largely on wind power.  
  • The Leela Palace Chennai is ideal for an opulent romantic getaway. Lavish guest rooms have private balconies, the views of the Adya River are wonderful, there's a huge rooftop pool and multiple fine dining options. Superb.

For Families

  • The Trident is amongst the more reasonably priced large hotels in Chennai. Families will love the generous swimming pool and leafy gardens, as well as the flexible rooms options. Highlights include delectable South Indian cuisine and cooking classes. 
  • Taj Wellington Mews Chennai offers a collection of sleek contemporary suites and apartments with kitchens, sitting rooms and superb city views. Guests share access to two eateries, a rooftop pool, spa and gym. Two-bedroom suites are ideal for families. Also good for longer-stay guests. 

For Coastal Indulgence

  • InterContinental Chennai sits south of Chennai, on the road towards Mahabalipuram. A luxurious resort for couples as well as families, this impressive spot has its own stretch of private beach, as well as tennis courts, a spa and multiple restaurants. The kids' club is good fun for little ones. Sleek five-star indulgence. 

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Chennai International Airport, and hop in a taxi to your hotel from there. Alternatively, speak to your hotel to arrange an airport pick up n advance.
  • Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore are the city's two main long-distance railway stations. There are daily trains to Chennai from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata and beyond.
  • If you're confident driving in Asia, India is a beautiful destination for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the winter months (October - March) when the weather is warm 17°C - 30°C and generally dry. The monsoon rains are expected between July and September, when it is also very hot. 

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